"The impact of traffic...

"The impact of traffic on drivers" report - co-authored by health psychologist David Moxon - identifies a new condition named Traffic Stress Syndrome (TSS), a form of psychological anxiety that manifests itself in certain drivers while stuck in traffic.

According to the study, close to one in three drivers - nine

million UK motorists - currently suffer from TSS and show symptoms of the condition after being held up in traffic for as little as three to five minutes.

One in five (20 per cent) experience increased heart-rates and headaches (19 per cent) and one in 10 endure sweaty palms (12 per cent). In more severe cases drivers report nausea, dizziness (eight per cent) and stomach cramps (eight per cent) among the symptoms experienced.

Psychologist David Moxon who was part of the research team, described the importance of the findings: "TSS is a form of stress that manifests itself in frustrated drivers -

there is evidence to suggest that chronic TSS can be detrimental to both the physical and mental health of the motorist."

Direct Line"s top tips for sufferers of TSS compiled by David Moxon:

1. Take deep and slow breaths

2. Listen to calming or relaxing music

3. Use cognitive distraction tasks such as thinking of loved ones

4. If you have a recycle button on your air-con use it - this will stop exhaust fumes from the traffic jam coming back into your car

5. Place some aroma-oil on a tissue and keep it in the cabin to fragrance your car